ARTICLE
Rockville, MD - The Montgomery County (MD) Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) continues to be a strong advocate for the Purple Line light rail connection linking Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. MCCC sent the attached letter to State officials and issued the following statement: MCCC strongly objects to the May 22, 2017 decision by a federal judge to further delay the construction of the Purple Line, a needed transportation project, because it imperils approximately $5 billion of federal, State and private investment. Therefore, we request that the State of Maryland - initiate an expedited appeals process - initiate an expedited Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in cooperation with federal partners so that the project may proceed - work with our Congressional Delegation to protect $900 million in federal funding designated for the Purple Line. The Purple Line strengthens our regional transportation network, supports economic development initiatives, is vital to national security interests and is a unique Public Private Partnership that brings needed investment to Maryland and the Greater Washington region. MCCC on behalf of our members and the regional economy will redouble our efforts and work on all fronts to get the Purple Line back on track. Failure is not an option. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) accelerates the success of our members by advocating for increased business opportunities, strategic investment in infrastructure and balanced tax reform to advance Metro Maryland as a regional, national and global location for business success. Established in 1959, MCCC is an independent non-profit membership organization and is proud to be a Montgomery County Green Certified Business. www.mcccmd.com @MCCCMD